CARYA CORDIFORMIS / BITTERNUT HICKORY

CARYA CORDIFORMIS / BITTERNUT HICKORY

A Tall, Hardy Tree with Distinctive Yellow Nuts and Vibrant Fall Foliage

Carya cordiformis, commonly known as Bitternut Hickory, is a medium to large deciduous tree that is native to eastern North America. Known for its distinctive, bright yellow nuts and smooth, scaly bark, Bitternut Hickory is a tough and resilient tree that thrives in a variety of soils. Its vibrant yellow-green foliage turns golden in the fall, offering seasonal beauty. This tree is perfect for larger landscapes, woodland settings, or naturalized areas, where it can provide both ornamental and ecological benefits.

Why Choose Bitternut Hickory?

• Unique Nuts: Produces distinctive yellow-hued nuts that are a food source for wildlife, though too bitter for human consumption.

• Vibrant Fall Color: The tree’s foliage turns a striking yellow in the fall, adding vibrant color to your landscape.

• Hardy & Resilient: Thrives in a range of soil types, from dry to moist, and is tolerant of drought once established.

• Wildlife-Friendly: The nuts provide food for squirrels, birds, and other animals, while the tree itself offers shelter.

Key Features

• Nuts: Yellow-green, bitternut-shaped nuts that ripen in the fall, providing a valuable food source for wildlife.

• Bark: Gray to light brown bark with smooth patches and shallow fissures, adding texture and interest throughout the year.

• Growth Habit: A tall, upright tree, typically growing 50–75 feet tall and 30–40 feet wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8, suitable for a variety of climates and conditions.

Specifications

• Plant Size: Typically grows 50–75 feet tall and 30–40 feet wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8, thriving in a wide range of growing conditions.

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade.

• Soil Requirements: Best in well-drained, loamy soils, but adaptable to a range of soil types, including dry and moist conditions.

Ideal Uses

• Large Landscapes: A perfect addition to larger gardens or properties, providing shade and visual interest.

• Woodland Gardens: Adds height and texture to woodland or naturalized settings.

• Wildlife Gardens: Its nuts and shelter make it a valuable tree for attracting wildlife to your garden.

• Shade Tree: Its large canopy makes it an excellent shade tree for parks or residential landscapes.

Carya cordiformis, or Bitternut Hickory, is a hardy and attractive tree that provides both ornamental value and wildlife benefits. Its distinctive nuts, vibrant fall color, and resilient nature make it a great choice for larger landscapes, wildlife habitats, or naturalized areas.

NATIVE TO ONTARIO